Bill > H2054

This bill aims to end mandatory life without parole sentences for individuals aged 21-25 and 364 days, based on extensive scientific research about brain development and neuroscience. The legislation recognizes that young adults in this age range have not fully developed cognitive abilities related to impulse control, risk assessment, and decision-making, and that their brain structures continue to mature. The bill provides for parole eligibility for individuals sentenced to life without parole who were within this age range when they committed their offense, applying this change both retroactively to current inmates and prospectively to future sentencing. It establishes new sentencing guidelines for different types of murder, including Felony Murder (minimum 20 years with parole), Premeditated Murder (minimum 25 years with parole), Extreme Cruelty or Atrocity (minimum 30 years with parole), and other First-Degree Murder convictions (minimum 20 years with parole). The bill also mandates a process for restructuring existing sentences without full resentencing hearings and requires parolees to participate in therapy focused on healing, accountability, and rehabilitation. The legislation is grounded in research highlighting racial and economic disparities in sentencing and draws on Supreme Court precedents recognizing the developmental differences of young offenders.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2054